Play store
Spain’s World Cup-winning captain and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is reportedly on the verge of ending his Manchester City career after Barcelona reached an agreement with the English club to sign the midfielder, AFP reported.
Barcelona are expected to pay around €75 million for the 30-year-old, while other reports put the total package at up to €76.5 million. The deal reportedly includes €60 million in guaranteed payments, with the remainder coming through performance-related bonuses and other conditions.
A Barcelona source told AFP that an official announcement could be made within the next few days. Several reports said Rodri is set to sign a four-year contract with the Catalan club.
Real Madrid had also been linked with the midfielder during the transfer window, but Rodri reportedly preferred a move to Barcelona. Manchester City had rejected Barcelona’s first two offers before agreeing to the club’s final proposal.
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and quickly became one of the key figures behind the club’s success. During his nearly seven years at the Etihad, he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League among several major trophies.
He scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final, securing City’s first European title.
Rodri’s status rose further after he won the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Although injuries kept him sidelined for significant periods over the past two seasons, he returned to lead Spain at the latest World Cup, delivering an outstanding performance and winning the tournament’s best-player award as Spain lifted the trophy.
His arrival would represent a major boost for Barcelona’s midfield. The Catalan club is particularly keen to add his experience, control and defensive balance following Frenkie de Jong’s injury.
Rodri’s departure would also force Manchester City to reshape their midfield. The club has reportedly already begun searching for alternatives, making the transfer potentially significant for the future plans of both clubs.